Both will be joining former Kent County judicial candidate Bryan Down, Esq. Attorney Bryan C. Downs has been a dedicated cyclist for the Equal Parenting Bike Trek in both 2008 and 2009. There are three confirmed cyclists for the 2010 Equal Parenting Bike Trek, with an additional select few who will be joining Robb, Robert and Bryan during the 700 + miles cycling trek for parental rights.

The 2010 Equal Parenting Bike Trek will be departing from Lansing Michigan and will pedal through both the Lower and Upper peninsulas of Michigan in support of a child's right to be loved, guided, nurtured and educated by both fit and willing parents.

Stay tuned for more information on this incredible equal parenting event!

March 07, 2009

A Child's Right members are excited to spread awareness of the benefits of Equal Parenting at the upcoming November 7, 2009 Iceman Cometh Challenge Mountain Bike Race. Members will notonly be racing, but they will be spreading equal parenting awareness throughout this event. Special brochures are being made for this event and our mountain bikers will be wearing custom made Equal Parenting Thermal Jerseys.

This race will be rather easy for those cyclists who participated in the 758 mile Equal Parenting Bike Trek. The weather is always unpredictable at this time of year in Michigan. The Iceman Cometh starts in Kalkaska, Michigan and ends 27 miles later in Traverse City, Michigan. Below is a picture of the Iceman Cometh map which cuts through the Pere Marquette State Forest.

If you would like to volunteer and help spread awareness at this event please email Executive Director Darrick Scott-Farnsworth. Support Equal Parenting and already registered for this event? Join us at this event by contacting the email address noted above. Look for updates in October 2009 at Cycling4Children.com

August 17, 2008

Those of us who grew up in the 60’s and 70’s remember Jim McKay’s famous lead in to ABC’s Wide World of Sports- “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat,” as we watched the skier crashing over the top of the ramp landing awkwardly and surely breaking his leg. Less known, but of no less courage, Bill Knoellner had his own moment of agony this past week.

Bill is one of four men traveling by bike 768 miles from Lansing, MI to Washington DC. While the skier likely went to the hospital and was certainly out of the competition, Bill, undaunted, made his mandatory visit to the emergency room, but was back on the road before day’s end! What seeming insanity provoked this man to such levels of achievement? Children! Children? Yes, children!Bill, along with Brian Downs, Rob MacKenzie and Bill Foster endured 768 miles of dangerous and mountainous terrain by bike to draw attention to one of the greatest travesties known to modern mankind. The tragedy is the state run divorce industry, also known as child kidnapping.

Children, at an alarming rate, nearly 100%, are “legally kidnapped” from one of their parents. This is due to the states’ pecuniary interest in Title IV-D Block Grant Funds. Children sold at auction for the Family Divorce Court’s filthy lucre, while the states kidnap these children, they then place the defrocked parent, which is usually dad, into involuntary servitude!

Dads across America have aligned to take on the states in a toe-to-toe battle, too daunting a task to evenly compare to the Biblical narrative of David v. Goliath. David, at least, had a weapon, albeit, a slingshot. Dads have not the legal training, have no money and are often times found fighting from a jail cell. Undaunted, they continue to flail away at the enemy- The State Courts!

As we descend on Washington DC August 15 and 16, be sure to thank Bill and the others for their heroism and do support our efforts to re-claim our children, who are our greatest love, for which we know no limits of bravery!

Thanks Courtney for your Op-Ed piece- "The Maternal Is Political" sums it up well! Another recognized demographic seeking equality through politics!

As goes with any new movement, already prior stated- Motherhood is not well defined. It's not centered under a label. It has not a leader!

May I offer some suggestions? Myself, I'm a father! For years, we men, oops fathers, have dissembled, tripped, stumbled and bumbled in no particular direction in our attempt to make our claims of injustice, ironically, towards the same ends that mom's seek, only on different issues! We have fought vehemently, with all those opposed to us. May I dare say? You All! Moms!

The losers have been three groups, with the winners being two groups. The losers are both moms and dads and the underrepresented group called children! The winners have been lawyers and the political machine- whether called the courts, the legislature, or the executive branch leaders.

As we both toil, spending endless time and resources "bashing each other", has it occurred to only dads that neither group (moms or dads) is getting anywhere? Again, let's not forget the kids! That, while our government continues to increase taxes, devalues our earnings through inflation and continues to reign supreme in our lives, our households, and, over our children! Again, let's not forget the agent of debt- the attorneys, so employed to carry our message, whether in the courts or as officers of the various political branches. Have we all bought and sold their agenda? Their story? Their belief system?

History seems to so indicate! Whenever the people have discharged their duties to run government, thus anointing their leaders, who usurp the very people's rights once thought unimpeachable, now lost!

May I talk a vote? Who amongst us is guilty of sitting back apathetically not carrying his/ her duty to run/ control government? I'm guilty, as a citizen, a man and a father! My guilt is only exceeded by my ignorance- I bought and sold their lie!

Today's men's/ father's movement has at its core the fundamental belief that it's mom's fault! No lie could be farther from the truth. At the core of the feminist agenda is that its men's fault. Again, no lie could be farther from the truth!

We have blossomed today, most affected by the 1960's. We emerged from our political obedience into the false belief that our freedom was in the discharging of our responsibility! Then when we had our freedoms usurped there was a governmental agent, a lawyer or a political movement poised to fill our minds with the rhetoric of hatred. Hatred for another demographic group. And thus, the polarization begins again! May I suggest, the protagonist and antagonist of these battles are both created "Straw Horses" of the most sinister kind!

For all of recorded humanity, humanity has oft found itself polarized at the behest of its government and/ or its minions! To whom shall we lay this blame? In our foolishness, we blame each other, because they told us too! In our anger we fight each other! We target each other! And, thereby fuel the cycle of insanity by avoiding ever looking at ourselves!

May I suggest- that BOTH MOMS AND DADS need to take a candid individual look at, "how I am conducting myself?" I am for one- Guilty!

As we enter the second decade of our twenty-first century, may we start with an honest look at ourselves? Find that our greatest ally is our perceived enemy? And, seek to find ways to bridge our gaps? To work towards equality amongst all of our polarized demographic concerns?

DaddyBlogger gives Glenn Sacks serious props for covering the DC Festival 2008! Glenn Sacks just wrote an article on the DC Festival 2008. Please be sure to thank him for his coverage of this very important upcoming event.

August 07, 2008

Exciting news for those who follow the Equal Parenting Bike Trek! It is official - a professionaly designed logo for the Equal Parenting Bike Trek is already in the process and near completion. The new logo will be revealed early September 2008!

Please attend the Parental and Civil Rights event of the year - DC Festival 2008

Grand Rapids, Michigan August 6, 2008 - Brian Downs, a Kent County attorney and candidate for Judge in the Kent County 17th Circuit Court in the November election is riding his bicycle 758 miles from the Capitol in Lansing to the nation's Capitol in Washington DC. Downs along with 3 other riders are signaling a message that Family Courts throughout the nation are not family friendly. The Equal Parenting Bike Trek has been organized to bring attention to what he believes should be reform in the nations court system.

Brian Downs, who has been a family advocate for the past 7 years, believes that it is the duty of our nation to protect the parent child relationship and repair this relationship when necessary so that children maintain a loving relationship with their entire biological family. Downs believes that the nation's family court system does more splitting up of families than protecting and maintaining this most important and primary relationship.

Minister Ronald Smith, CEO of Children Need Both Parents, Inc, a non-profit group located in both Chicago and Grand Rapids stated, "Our family court judges pay little attention to the damage being done to our children removing one or both biological parents from a child's life without making a concerted effort that no stone is left unturned to repair and maintain this God Given relationship."

Downs is scheduled to leave Lansing at 2:00pm EST August 7th and scheduled to arrive at the Family Preservation Festival in DC on August 15-16.

May 20, 2008

Beyond Incredible! Equal Parenting Cyclist, Co-founder of A Child's Right, DaddyBlogger and Detroit News featured fatherhood blogger Robert Pedersen made the FRONT PAGE of the Detroit News. This front page story with color photo was done by reporter Kim Kozlowski of the Detroit News. This is Michigan's largest newspaper in the state of Michigan with overlapping coverage in Indiana and Ohio. Circulation total is well over 300,000!

The article online also reached such popular demand that Detroit News placed in on their homepage and added additional online resources to the story. They also linked to Robert Pedersen's blog with the Detroit News - he is one of their featured fatherhood bloggers.

The article by reporter Kim Kozlowski is still, after 24 hours in their most popular section on the homepage of the Detroit News. With this success of this article Detroit News also conducted an online survey which is overwhelmingly in favor of shared parenting.

Today Robert Pedersen was also on the Mitch Albom Show which is nationally syndicated and has a massive audience in the state of Michigan. Not only does Mitch have a popular radio show, but he is also author of many books such as Tuesdays with Morrie and is a frequent guest on shows like Oprah and more.

Prior to the Mitch Albom show Robert interviewed on the Dave Jaconette Show out of Kalamazoo. Robert seemed very impressed with Jaconette's interviewing style. We are hoping to get recordings of the interviews.

This documentary is truly shocking and will put you through an emotional rollercoaster. According to the film’s website, “Support? explores the fundamental flaws in America’s Family Courts regarding the Divorce and Child Support System. The film explores the problems through over 38 interviews with both custodial and non-custodial parents and the attorneys, judges and county employees on both sides of the paradigm.”

The four trailers will show you the high quality of this film. We will most certainly keep our readers informed of the upcoming release in Michigan as soon as I receive a date.If you live near the showing in California be sure to purchase tickets now!

May 16, 2008

A very interesting process. An Associated Press (AP) Photographer took a couple hundred pictures of Robert Pedersen training for the 758 mile Equal Parenting Bike Trek from Lansing MI to Washington D.C. This happened very early in the morning today. We were told that other newspapers and media organizations can buy these photos from AP to utilize in their stories. We did confirm that some of these pictures will be used by THE largest newspaper in the state of Michigan - their total circulation is over 300,000!!! We will let you know when this will be published. Stay tuned!

April 30, 2008

Last week we had the incredible experience of having Instapundit, one of the world's top ranked news and political blogs, cover the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek. This single post by Instapundit exposed thousands upon thousands of people to this inspirational story.

ABOUT.COM, owned by the New York Times and recognized as a top 15 content site, just covered the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek. In less than 24 hours, thousands of readers have visited the main event page for the Equal Parenting Bike Trek!

Please take the time to thank author Wayne Parker for covering this important human interest story. Commenting does NOT require you to sign up for an account so it is very easy. If you utilize Stumbleupon, Digg!, Mixx or other social bookmarking please do so on Wayne Parker's story.

April 25, 2008

Literally thousands of new and unique visitors will be exposed to the exciting story of the 758 mile Equal Parenting Bike Trek thanks to the world famous blog Instapundit! Instapundit brings more exposure to this event/story than any traditional media source possibly could. This news and political blog averages between 250,000-500,000 visitors a day!! Truly stunning by all comparisons.

Are you one of the few on planet earth that has not heard of Instapundit? You might want to review this summary. Ok...now you see why this is so huge? I actually gave up tracking my visitor count on the main page for the Equal Parenting Bike Trek because there were literally thousands of people viewing it at once.

Truly amazing new media buzz over the five fathers that are pedaling 758 miles for their children!!!

Some of the word's top ranked blogs have already covered this event/story. What is even more exciting is that these are blogs that cover different topics; we have fatherhood, cycling, and news blogs covering this event for a good cause. There is much excitement over the upcoming departure event in Lansing Michigan at the Capitol.

April 15, 2008

The blog coverage of the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek has been incredible! Some of the world's top blogs have already covered this amazing event: Instapundit, Protein Wisdom, Dr. Helen, Murdoc Online and many, many more! See the incomplete and always updating list.

"On a sunny day on April 6, 1997, the Lillelid family met its death at the hands of a group of troubled teenagers from Kentucky. The Lillelids were Jehovah's Witnesses, fresh from a convention in Johnson City and anxious to win new converts for their faith. The teenagers were a group of outcasts from Pikeville, Kentucky, on the run after getting into trouble in their hometown"

According to the website for the movie, the film explores the roots of teenagers' violence, the failures of the authorities and social systems to address these problems. We have not watched the movie yet and are looking forward to learning more about the circumstances that led to such a tragic ending. We would have to guess that some of the teenagers did not have their fathers involved in their lives.

Sadly, there are some fathers and mothers who do not want to be a part of their children's lives after a divorce. On the other hand, there are mothers and fathers that are removed from an EQUAL parenting role in their children's lives based on the order of a family court judge. In the later case, we have long advocated for shared or equal parenting. Again, we do not know what the circumstances were that led up to such a violent and tragic ending and we look forward to purchasing this movie seeking answers to our questions.

Following is a news story trailer that provides a synopsis and summary of the movies main points:

Dynamic and experienced speakers will be present to discuss Michigan's family law court systems and how their actions adversely affect Michigan's families and children. Michigan House Bill 4564 (Equal Parenting) and Michigan House Joint Resolution NN (2008) will also be discussed. All Michigan citizens and members of the Michigan media are encouraged to attend.

Featured Speakers Will Include:

Jack Hoogendyk, State Representative(R), District 61, U.S. Senate candidate, 2008.

Rick Jones, State Representative(R), District 71.

Mr. Scott Hudson, Democratic candidate for State House District 43 seat, 2008.

Ms. Carol Rhodes, former Calhoun County Friend of the Court Enforcement Officer. You will not want to miss her speech as she exposes the corruption of Michigan's child custody evaluations and family court systems.

Mr. Lary Holland, Michigan family rights advocate, national expert on Social Security Title IV-D, the financial incentives behind denying children the love, care, guidance and nurturing of both of their fit and willing parents. Host of the popular talk show "Get Off The Bench".

Topics of discussion will include The Equal Parenting Bill, House Bill 4564, House Joint Resolution NN, the proposed "Parental Rights" Constitutional Amendment, and the Barry County Friend of the Court.

We are inviting parents and grandparents to come and learn the truth about Michigan's family law court system.

Learn why children have a fundamental right to be loved, guided, educated and nurtured equally by both fit and willing parents.

Media - Please accept this invitation to participate in the coverage of this incredible community event.

March 28, 2008

The 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek is an event worth supporting. Bloggers know an interesting and unique story. Over 4 months away and the online buzz is picking up! The five cyclists truly appreciate any help in spreading the message of this event. It is not easy to pedal over 758 miles physically or mentally for that matter. Special thanks to all bloggers that have picked this story up.

Here is a sample of some of the most recent blogs covering the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek:

March 26, 2008

So sad! Imagine being a next door neighbor and seeing this. I wonder what she will do once the child custody dispute starts! Hopefully she will stay in jail for trying to kill her husband and putting her child at risk. Someone once told me that there is no such thing as domestic violence against men. I have always know that to not be true.

Please show your support and attend this amazing event being held at the Lansing Capitol in Michigan. ALL ARE WELCOME! A large crowd will help energize our cyclists! We already have confirmation of media coverage (TV, Newspaper & Radio) for the departure!

We Need Your Support and Help Now!

Ways you can show your support for this event:

1) Please donate for this amazing event - no amount is too small or too large. It is very expensive to pull off such a large event over 758 miles with 5 cyclists and chase crew. Donating early will allow us to advertise this event, hand out brochures along the route, gas expense for the chase vehicle, a bed to sleep in at night for the cyclists, etc.

2) Blog about this event and link to this page. Blog on MySpace and more! Post on Facebook!

3) Social Bookmark this page on StumbleUpon, Digg!,Del.icio.us, Reddit and more. Digg! and Del.icio.us can be used via the links directly below this page.

4) Email this page to everyone you know and tell them about this wonderful cause for children.

BOTH will be on Minister Ronald Smith's ultra-popular Talk Show "Children Need Both Parents". Tune in for this special show to find out how Robert Pedersen and Derek Bailey, MSW are forming an incredible coalition in Michigan. The link below will take you to the homepage for this show where you can acquire the phone number to call in and more.

CRISPE and Dance4Equality will both be present at the departure for the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek on August 7th 2008 12 Noon-2PM at the Lansing Michigan Capitol. Ask off of work now for this special shared parenting event.

March 11, 2008

Yet another LTE printed by A Child's Right. Darrick Scott-Farnsworth in the Kalamzazoo Gazette.

Support Equal Parenting Measures in Legislature

It is time for Michigan to recognize and for citizens to demand there be a fundamental right to parent your children within the state's constitution and family law. To this end, I implore everyone to actively support both the ``parental rights'' resolution and House Bill 4564, the ``equal parenting bill.''

Children are a part of the family and they have the right to the love of both of their parents and their extended family, too. Allowing the state, without due process of law through the courts and government child welfare bureaucracies, to interrupt the child-parent relationship has destroyed many childhoods and caused untold damage to our society.

Parents should have the right to decide how their children are educated and medicated as long as there is no clear evidence that these choices will seriously harm their children. Demonstrating to children that the family is important by making sure that both parents and the entire family are respected will give children the courage to have a family of their own.

In divorce cases, the state is allowed, through the supposed best interest of the child criteria, to pressure most fathers to relinquish custody to the mother or be denied custody in court because they want to create winners and losers instead of promoting joint custody.

HB 4564 and Resolution NN will help ensure that children will have the stability and love of both of their fit, willing and able parents.

February 22, 2008

Angela and Robert Pedersen on the Ultra Popular Talk Show "Children Need Both Parents". "Children Need Both Parents" is hosted by Ronald Smith and Robin Denison. The turnout by those who listened to this talkshow live was quite high so we were obviously thrilled by the support.

You can download a recording of the entire show at the "Children Need Both Parents" talkshow homepage - download the episode listed under the date 02/21/08. If you do not want to download a recording you can also listen to the show using the same link above. Another option - You can also listen to it via the hipcast player below.

Make sure you listen to the various folks that called towards the end of the show. They truly provide a unique and interesting perspective in this show. Yes, the one making all the noise is our son Anthony Caius Pedersen - already he is trying to give his two cents to the discussion!

One of the great things about a talkshoe talkshow is that listeners can also chat and post comments during the interview. Here are some comments listed below:

[9:36:40 PM] <Crispe>CRISPE will be there for the bikers

[9:46:09 PM] <Crispe>Bring it on Robert

[10:03:49 PM] <Guest 11>Hello Robert and Angela.. I just got home.. !!

[10:06:10 PM] <mountain19>God bless you guys and gals. real citizens all of you.

[10:06:30 PM] <Guest 11>Tell Robert Marcie from Michigan is here to support..

[10:23:55 PM] <Guest 11>Robert is a great dad!! And his wife Angela is the bomb.. What Great Parents...

[10:35:39 PM] <ctyofangels/ survivors>thank you robert and angela

[10:36:03 PM] <MikeSaxton>Rob & Angela ROCK! See you all Sunday. Ron, I want an autographed book!

<BetterhalfofSplit>Great Show guys! fight the fight and keep the faith

[10:46:06 PM] <Guest 16>Tell Angela to give the little one a hug for me.. He soooo cute.. talk to ya soon..

February 19, 2008

Darrick Scott-Farnsworth, Executive Director of A Child's Right, moves Ross Township Michigan to pass a resolution in support of Michigan House Bill 4564. Yet, another excellent example of leadership! 4-6 days a month is child abuse and we thank Ross Township for their support of Michigan House Bill 4564.

February 16, 2008

It is with great honor and excitement that we share this fantastic news with our readers! Dance4Equality, under the leadership of Derek Bailey, MSW, will be present at the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek departure. Mr. Bailey is a tribal leader for the Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

Make no mistake about it! This years Equal Parenting Bike Trek will be a massive event and having Dance4Equality present on August 7th 2008 at the Lansing Capitol Lawn for the cyclists' departure creates an additional level of excitement surrounding this event.

There will certainly be a media frenzy at the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek departure as Dance4Equality performs their pow wows of dance and drumming while dressed in American Indian wear. An example can be seen below:

Robert will reveal a secret detail of the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek departure from Lansing, MI! August 7th 2008 12 Noon - departure of the 758 mile Equal Parenting Bike Trek from the Lansing Capitol. The media and supporters will fill the Lansing Capitol Lawn simply to see what Robert will reveal on this Friday's interview.

Stay tuned because we are hoping to have the call-in phone numbers for this exciting radio interview. Show your support and be sure to tune in and listen to "The Message" with Richar Farr.

February 12, 2008

Ray Upchurch, filmmaker of "Daddy Hunger", states “I never want to see another child fatherless and with a DADDY HUNGER challenging their ability to be happy and function with positive self-esteem and confidence. Look at the growing prison population, school systems, and communities. Generations and generations of fatherless children are suffering. The cycle has got to stop!”

February 11, 2008

Family Courts in Michigan and throughout America salivate at the thought of bringing another family and their children under the control of the family court system. Each state and county government makes big money on Title IV-D welfare management.

January 30, 2008

Minister Ronald Smith is the founder of Children Need Both Parents, Inc. Ronald Smith has lit Michigan on fire and given the equal parenting rights movement a much needed boost of energy and passion. Ronald Smith is also the author of the book "Cheated".He is someone I consider a very close friend.

January 27, 2008

Support? System Down. View the shocking trailers of this documentary which exposes the corruption of family court systems throughout America. Family Courts compared to the mafia? Fathers killing themselves because they were forced by family court systems to go from a full-time father to seeing their children only 4-6 days a month. This is court sponsored child abuse!

A Child's Right is an official sponsor of this moving documentary. We ask that you please buy a t-shirt for this documentary as a means of showing your support and helping the filmmaker. Only $13, high quality and an ultra-cool design. Do your part in helping this documentary reach the masses in America by buying a fundraising T-Shirt now!